Types Of Poisonous Plants That Could Literally Kill You

There are thousands of plant species available among us. Some of them even provide us with food and other day to day requirements. However, most of us are unknown to the fact that some of these plants are even harmful to us. These type of plants produce toxins as they have a high amount of chemicals inside them. Some of them also have medicinal benefits and on the other hand, a few of them have their own defense system like thorns and spines. So, here is a list of some poisonous plants that can be harmful or even kill human beings if not handled with care.

WHITE SNAKEROOT

via Brooklyn Bridge Park

The scientific name for this plant is Ageratina Altissima. It
contains tremotol which can lead to serious problems like vomiting, trembling
and serious intestinal troubles. It is said that if we consume the milk of a
cow who has ingested this plant, even that can lead to sickness.

CASTOR OIL PLANT

via Land for Wildlife

It can be found commonly in almost every household throughout the
world. The seeds of this plant has a chemical called ricin that can cause
bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain or even death. The scientific name for this
plant is Ricinus Communis.

CRAB’S EYE

via The Poison Diaries

The seeds of this plant have a natural poison named abrin in very high amount and it can badly affect the cellular functions of a human being. The scientific name for this plant is Abrus Precatorius. It can be found mostly in Indonesia and their beads are used in percussion instruments.

THE SUICIDE TREE

via Nature’s Poisons

This plant is often referred as a murder weapon. The scientific name
for this plant is Cerbera Odollam. The seeds of this plant has cerberin which
can stop the flow of calcium ions in heart muscle and even leads to death in
autopsies.

HEMLOCK

via nfs.unl.edu

This plant is also known as Conium. It contains a toxin called
coniine which can cause death through muscular paralysis that starts in legs
and slowly spreads to the respiratory muscles. This type of paralysis is also
called ascending muscular paralysis.

MONKSHOOD

via Amazon

This plant has a large number of neurotoxins that can cause
problems like motor weakness and heart and lung paralysis. Some of its species
have also been used in poison tipped arrows for hunting purposes. It can also
lead to severe gastrointestinal complications and is also known by the names of
Aconitum, Wolf’s Bane and Devil’s Helmet.

WATER HEMLOCK

via wildernessawareness.org

There are four species of this kind and has a chemical called cicutoxin and its roots are often mistaken for edible plants. If ingested, this plant can cause severe issues of abdominal pain, kidney failure, irregular heartbeat or even death. Botanists also use names like death-of-man or poison parsnip to identify this plant.

TRUMPET

via Southern Living

The flowers of this plant are around 50cm long and if consumed, it can lead to severe abdominal pain as it has a large amount of scopolamine and atropine. The scientific name given to this plant by the botanists is Brugmansia.

DUMB CANE

via Plantopedia

The scientific name for this plant is Dieffenbachia. The leaves of this plant have small spears of calcium oxalate and can cause problems like swelling and oral irritation. Further problems can also lead to death if tissues get swollen.

OLEANDER

via TripSavvy

This plant is also known as Nerium Oleander and it is a shrub. It can be easily found in the gardens of various parks and schools in southern and western US. The leaves if this plant has cardiac glycosides which can lead to cardiac arrest.

POISON OAK

via 23ABC News

The lobed leaves of this poisonous plants resemble the leaves of an oak tree. However, these leaves have hair – like particles on both sides which can cause irritation, rashes and itching in human beings.

WILD PARSNIP

via fllt.org

The Wild Parsnip is basically found in North America and belongs to the family of celery and carrot. However, this plant is extremely harmful for human beings, especially their skin. Once you get in touch with this plant, there are high chances that you will notice rashes and even blisters on your skin.

GIANT HOGWEED

via Cowichan Valley Citizen

The Giant Hogweed can be up to 14 feet tall and the most dangerous part of its body is the sap which can cause scarring, blisters and burns on the human skin. Moreover, its flower cluster is as poisonous as its sap and one should definitely choose to remain away from it.

STINGING NETTLE

via wolfcollege.com

The name of this plant is sufficient enough to warn anyone to stay away from it. These plants consist of tiny hair – like particles which can sting anyone who comes in touch with them.